Chen Yang weighed it over in his mind, then drew the two powers back into his body. With a slight stir of his thoughts, he returned to the real world.
Just then, shouts came from outside the Yang Family's newly built courtyard.
Chen Yang immediately extended his awareness and saw several Qi Gathering Mid-stage cultivators in yellow robes standing before the Yang Family's newly erected gates.
From Xie Chuan's conversation with them, Chen Yang learned that they came from the former Eastern Wilderness families living in the surrounding region.
After learning that the Yang Family had relocated here, they had come together to pay a visit.
If it had been a friendly visit meant to build ties, the Yang Family would naturally have thrown open its gates in welcome.
Yet the displeasure on Xie Chuan's face made it clear that these people had not come with good intentions.
"Tribute money?"
"Correct."
The yellow-robed cultivator in the lead nodded. "Our families have all enjoyed the protection of that Senior of the Cave. That is why we have been spared the bandits' harassment and managed to survive in this desolate northeastern land."
"That's right, fellow Daoist. Look at the robes we wear—they were refined by that Senior himself."
Xie Chuan swept his gaze across them, and a trace of mockery rose in his heart.
The clothes on their bodies were clearly ordinary garments, yet they were calling them Dharma robes to fool people.
He did not wish to waste any more time on them. Cupping his hands, he said, "Thank you all for informing me. I understand the matter now and will report it to the Patriarch shortly. You may return first."
As soon as those words left his mouth, the expressions of the cultivators changed somewhat.
With their hands hidden behind